Samadi Yoga

The reason hatha, vinyasa or any physical yoga practice is so powerful is because the key to a successful practice is to listen to the body and to work within the reality of the body for each given day.

The discipline of connecting to each pose where there is proper alignment and contraction, stillness and, most importantly, the ability to join with each breath — each inhale and each exhale — while maintaining awareness of all aspects of the posture is quite demanding. Our yoga practice teaches us awareness, the positive effects of each position, and, ultimately, connection.

These aspects of our practice help us relieve pain in the body, create more strength and flexibility, and, finally and most importantly, a process of learning to tune in to the Wisdom Body.

I don’t believe any of us practice to “one day” do a handstand or a wheel pose. We practice so that we may connect to the deeper. The Wisdom Body, which knows what we need for that day, how far to go, or when to stop and take a break. 

Our body constantly sends us signals as soon as we wake up in the morning. Unfortunately, many have learned to ignore them. It may be a stiff neck or back or even a subtle tightening of the breath. These “minor” signals are actually part of your body’s early warning signs.

Research shows that people with higher interoceptive awareness (the ability to sense internal body signals) make better health decisions, experience less chronic stress, and age more successfully than those who’ve lost touch with their body’s communications.

Your body’s intelligence operates through sophisticated networks that science is only beginning to understand. The ancient yogis knew this.

When taught and practiced the right way, yoga gives you something that no other movement practice does. It enables you to connect with your Wisdom Body. 

Think of your Wisdom Body as your internal GPS or navigation system. It is your interior sixth sense that helps connect you to your body’s inherent wisdom, allowing you to better navigate the journeys of aging and recovering from debilitating injuries.

Through my years of teaching, yoga has been the most healing for various injuries and illnesses due to this understanding of the natural intelligence of the human body. The healing power of the body increases with a practice that tunes into the sensations, the breath, and the body itself. While yoga practice should not hurt or be painful, the pain is part of your guide. Determine whether the discomfort is a pure stretch or a warning. If you can breathe through it calmly, then it’s a much-needed stretch. If the breath is short and shallow, then this is your signal to back off. 

Our sensations are a gift, our breath is the connection to the deeper, and these two will ultimately guide you towards better health.